Herbs

Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua), also known as Sweet Wormwood, is a herbaceous plant native to China. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to treat fevers and malaria. The plant’s active compound, artemisinin, was isolated in the 1970s and has become a critical treatment for malaria worldwide. Sweet Annie was…

Stoneroot (Collinsonia canadensis) is a perennial herb native to eastern North America. Indigenous peoples and early settlers used the root for its medicinal properties, particularly for urinary and digestive issues. The plant’s common name comes from its reputed ability to dissolve kidney stones and relieve related pain. Stoneroot was also used to treat varicose veins,…

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant native to Europe, but now widespread in many parts of the world. Named after St. John the Baptist, it traditionally blooms around his feast day in late June. The plant has been used for over 2,000 years, dating back to ancient Greece, where it was employed…

Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea), also known as the Toothache Plant, originates from the tropical regions of Brazil and Peru. Indigenous communities utilized the plant for its numbing and analgesic properties, particularly for toothaches and oral health. The plant’s active compound, spilanthol, provides a tingling and numbing sensation. Traditionally, Spilanthes was also used to boost the immune…

Southern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis), also known as Hercules’ Club or Toothache Tree, is native to the southeastern United States. Indigenous peoples, such as the Cherokee, used the bark and berries to treat toothaches, hence its common name, with effects that can be credited to the plant’s alkaloids that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. European…

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a species of elm tree native to eastern North America. Native American tribes used the inner bark of slippery elm for its soothing and healing properties. It was traditionally used to treat wounds, digestive issues, respiratory conditions, and sore throats. During the 19th century, slippery elm became a popular remedy…

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a perennial herb native to North America. It has a long history of use in traditional Native American medicine to treat anxiety, insomnia, and nervous disorders. The name “skullcap” comes from the shape of the flower, which resembles a medieval helmet. European settlers adopted the use of skullcap, and it became…

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as eleuthero, is a woody shrub native to Northeastern Asia, including Russia, China, Japan, and Korea. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as an adaptogen to enhance the body’s resilience to stress, boost energy levels, and improve overall vitality. Unlike true ginseng (Panax species), Siberian…

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) is a prized edible mushroom native to East Asia, particularly Japan, China, and Korea. It has been cultivated for over a thousand years for both its culinary and medicinal properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, shiitake is known for its ability to boost qi, support immune function, and improve overall health. The…

Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a small annual plant native to Europe and Asia but now found worldwide. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The name “shepherd’s purse” comes from the shape of its seed pods, which resemble the pouches used by shepherds. Historically, the plant was used…